"Odd Situation": Karin Keller-Sutter aims to honor Switzerland at Rütli, yet Trump's presence persists alongside her
On Switzerland's National Day, Karin Keller-Sutter, a Swiss politician, delivered a speech on the Rütli meadow, where the Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291. The crowd, filled with people from various linguistic backgrounds, listened blissfully as Keller-Sutter spoke about the unique qualities that make Switzerland stand out.
Keller-Sutter began by emphasising Switzerland's self-reliance, stating that the country has much in its own hands. She went on to ask the crowd how to say the first piece of bread in various Swiss dialects, demonstrating the unity and understanding among the people despite their linguistic differences.
The politician described reliability as the new currency, highlighting Switzerland's commitment to standing by its word. She spoke about the country's resilience and economic stability, which have enabled it to thrive even in these turbulent times, outperforming many other nations.
Switzerland's success model, Keller-Sutter explained, is rooted in innovation, high-quality exports, resilience, and economic stability without resorting to currency devaluation. The country leverages strong research and development, diversified and advanced industries, and a strong currency to maintain global competitiveness, even in the face of external shocks.
Despite the Swiss franc being one of the strongest currencies for decades, Switzerland maintains a high-performing export sector, contributing about 75% of GDP, with manufacturing accounting for around 18% of GDP. This approach has resulted in a stable and robust economy characterised by low public debt and resilience to global economic volatility.
Recent economic data indicate some short-term challenges, such as a contraction in GDP in Q2 2025 and a temporary decline in exports, particularly in chemicals and pharmaceuticals. However, other sectors like watchmaking and machinery/electronics have continued to show growth, reflecting the diversification in Swiss exports.
Projections suggest steady growth ahead, supported by total trade and strong current account surpluses, indicating the economy’s ongoing strength and integration in global trade. Furthermore, Switzerland's continued focus on innovation, education, and a decentralized economy supports its long-term viability.
In summary, Switzerland's model of competing through strength—in innovation, quality, and economic robustness rather than currency manipulation—continues to provide a relevant and successful blueprint for navigating the complexities of the modern global economy.
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[1] Source: Swiss National Bank (SNB) [2] Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office (SFSO) [3] Source: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) [4] Source: Swiss Export and Investment Agency (SECO)
- Moving forward, Switzerland might apply its unique economic model to politically and economically uncertain situations, such as war-and-conflicts, by focusing on innovation, resilience, and high-quality exports, rather than relying on currency manipulation.
- General news outlets could report on Switzerland's successful approach by highlighting key factors such as its diverse exports, strong research and development, and a stable currency, serving as a beacon for countries navigating complex global politics and war-and-conflicts.
